World sport's highest tribunal has received the appeal from Ricco, who was banned by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) last month for doping during the Tour de France.

The 25-year-old tested positive for CERA, an advanced version of the blood-booster EPO, after winning two stages of this year's race.

He admitted taking the banned substance and was hoping for a reduced suspension.

CONI reduced the ban by six months from the maximum two years permitted, but they also added a further six months because Ricco had gone to a physician who had already been banned for doping violations.

The ban will expire on July 30, 2010 -- ruling Ricco out of the next two editions of the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia.

The CAS are expected to reveal their decision some time in the New Year. <!--startclickprintexclude-->